ALAMINOS–A giant sea turtle caught in Sual Bay by fishermen was saved from a possible trip to the kettle becoming an exotic dish, thanks to an alert and well-meaning doctor and civic leader.

Dr. Carlito Arenas, chief of the Trauma Specialist Hospital in Dagupan, bought the sea turtle, more commonly known by its local name pawikan, from a boy who was tasked to peddle it for P500, and turned this over to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Alaminos City.

Arenas was driving through the town in his car when he noticed a boy by the roadside peddling the giant sea turtle. He said he decided to pull over and buy it without a second thought, fearing for the life of the helpless grown turtle.

He said he knew that a cooked pawikan is a favorite among locals and the only way to save it was to buy it instantly.

He immediately brought the creature to the CENRO office where CENRO’s Celso Salazar later confirmed that it was released back to the sea upon ascertaining that it had no wounds. 

The creature was released through Baquioen Bay in Sual.

Salazar said the sea turtle, which is an endangered specie, is estimated to be from 15 to 18 years old.

Being endangered specie, it is against the law to catch it, much less to slaughter it for food.

Salazar warned fishermen that they should put back into the sea any sea turtle they catch or face violation charges.—LM

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